What an Enhanced Driver License Is and Who Needs One

An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a Washington State driver license that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. It has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it that holds biometric data — your fingerprints and photograph — which border agents can scan at land crossings.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. A standard driver license works fine for that. You only need an EDL if you plan to drive across a land border and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, or if you drive but have a passport with you, a regular license is sufficient.

Washington residents can get an EDL through the Department of Licensing (DOL). The process takes longer than renewing a standard license because the state has to collect your fingerprints and verify your identity more thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport, but you must explore in person at a DOL office.
  • You need to provide proof of citizenship, proof of Washington residency, and your Social Security number, and you will be fingerprinted during the appointment.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and takes four to six weeks to arrive after your appointment.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if it is not expiring within 60 days, but you cannot renew it online.

Documents You Need to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring three types of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of Washington residency, and your current driver license or ID card. For citizenship, the DOL accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough — you must bring the original document.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Washington address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A driver license with your current address also counts. You need only one residency document.

Bring your current Washington driver license or ID card. If you do not have one, you will need to get a standard license first before you can explore for an EDL. You will also need to know your Social Security number — you do not need to bring a card, just remember the number.

How to Schedule and Complete Your In-Person Appointment

Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov and use their online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a DOL office near you. You cannot explore for an EDL by mail or online — you must appear in person. The scheduling tool shows you available times at each office, and you can pick the location and date that work for you.

At your appointment, a DOL employee will check your documents, take your photograph, collect your fingerprints using a digital scanner, and verify your information. The whole process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will pay the fee at this time — the cost varies slightly by office but is typically around $72 for a new EDL or $62 for a renewal, on top of the standard license fee.

After your appointment, the DOL sends your fingerprints and biometric data to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for background checks. This step is why EDLs take longer than standard licenses. You will receive your EDL in the mail four to six weeks after your appointment.

What Happens If Your Background Check Does Not Clear

If the border agencies find a reason to deny your EDL — such as a criminal conviction, immigration issue, or security concern — the DOL will notify you by mail. The letter will explain why your process was denied and tell you whether you can appeal the decision.

Some denials are final and cannot be appealed. Others, such as those based on incomplete information, may be overturned if you provide additional documents or clarification. If you receive a denial letter, read it carefully to see whether an appeal is an option, and follow the instructions in the letter if you want to challenge the decision.

If your EDL is denied, you still have your standard driver license and can continue to drive normally in Washington. You can also still cross the border by car if you bring a passport or other accepted travel document instead.

Renewing Your Enhanced Driver License

When your EDL is about to expire, you have two renewal options depending on how soon it expires. If your license expires more than 60 days away, you can renew by mail without going back to a DOL office. Mail in your current license, the renewal form (available on dol.wa.gov), and the fee. The DOL will process it and send you a new license.

If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew in person at a DOL office. You cannot renew an EDL online under any circumstances — the in-person appointment is required so the DOL can update your fingerprints and biometric data. Schedule an appointment the same way you did for your initial EDL.

An EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington driver license. When you renew, you will pay the same fee as you did for your first EDL.

Using Your Enhanced Driver License at the Border

When you drive to Canada or Mexico, present your EDL at the land border crossing instead of a passport. The border agent will scan the RFID chip in your license, which pulls up your biometric data and background information. The process is faster than a passport check because the agent already has your information on file.

You can use your EDL to cross into Canada at any land border — Washington shares borders with British Columbia at several points. You can also use it to cross into Mexico at land borders in the southwestern United States. An EDL does not work for air travel; if you fly, you still need a passport.

If you lose your EDL while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. When you return to Washington, you will need to explore for a replacement EDL at a DOL office, just as you would for a lost standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver License if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type and severity of the conviction. Border agencies conduct background checks and may deny an EDL for certain crimes, immigration violations, or security concerns. If you have a record, you can still explore — the border agencies will make the information during the background check process. If denied, the DOL will explain why in a letter.

What if I move out of Washington after I get my EDL?

Your EDL remains valid for the rest of its eight-year term, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail once you leave Washington — you would have to return to a Washington DOL office in person to renew. If you move permanently, it may be easier to get a standard driver license in your new state instead.

How much does an Enhanced Driver License cost?

The cost varies slightly by DOL office but is typically around $72 for a new EDL or $62 for a renewal, in addition to the standard driver license fee. Some offices may charge slightly different amounts. Ask the DOL office when you schedule your appointment if you want to know the exact fee.

Can I use my Enhanced Driver License to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An EDL meets the federal Real ID requirements for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security checkpoints the same way you would use a standard Real ID-compliant driver license. You do not need a passport for domestic flights.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship?

The DOL accepts a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship as proof of citizenship if you do not have a birth certificate or passport. If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, you may have a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Contact the DOL office before your appointment if you are unsure which documents you have or whether they will be accepted.